Radio Brisvaani
BRISBANE, AUGUST 21 (MCCQ NEWS DESK)
Multicultural community representatives have called for a more equitable aged care system that better responds to the needs of older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Executive Director of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative Priyanka Rai and Lisa Ward, CEO of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs on July 27 as part of its inquiry into the Support at Home Program.
Drawing on the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)’s national engagement with almost 1,000 multicultural older people, carers, community organisations and service providers, the representatives highlighted barriers that continue to prevent many older Australians from accessing the care and support they are entitled to.
The organisations said the concerns were not about creating a separate aged care system for multicultural communities. Instead, they called for the existing system to work equitably for Australia’s diverse population.
Their submission to the inquiry was informed by extensive consultations with multicultural communities across Australia and focused on improving access to culturally appropriate aged care and support services.
The discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that language, culture and other factors do not become barriers when older people seek care.
The organisations said the experiences of multicultural communities should be reflected in the design and delivery of aged care services, particularly as Australia’s population becomes increasingly diverse.
The Senate inquiry into the Support at Home Program is examining issues surrounding the implementation and operation of the new aged care arrangements, with community organisations providing evidence on the experiences of older Australians and their families.
FECCA and its member organisations have continued to advocate for an aged care system that is accessible, culturally responsive and capable of meeting the needs of people from diverse backgrounds.
